Non-Structural Shore Protection

Because of the many problems with flood and erosion control structures, there has been a shift in recent years toward non-structural shore stabilization techniques. Non-structural shore protection measures generally seek to enhance the natural ability of shorelines to absorb and dissipate storm energy without interfering with natural beach, dune, and bank processes.

For an overview table of shore protection options in Massachusetts, see the Massachusetts Coastal Hazards Commission’s final report–Preparing for the Storm: Recommendations for Management of Risk from Coastal Hazards in Massachusetts, Appendix C.

In addition, CZM has produced a Coastal Landscaping website, which provides information on storm-damage prevention and other benefits of appropriate landscaping approaches, along with detailed information on how to effectively landscape coastal banks, beaches, and dunes.

Some non-structural shore protection techniques to consider include:


* Your community needs only 500 points to qualify for reduced flood insurance premiums through the Community Rating System (CRS).For more information (including how to apply for the CRS program), see our Community Rating System (CRS) primer.

Notes from the folks at CRS:

“CRS credits programs that maintain measures that protect buildings from coastal flooding or erosion. These include dune and mangrove preservation, bluff stabilization, and beach nourishment programs.”